Treatment of Congo Natives
There is a piece of history that is dark and ugly. Not many people are aware of it because it has not been considered important by many. European impact on Africa was devastating. Entire cultures were turned upside if not eliminated. The treatment of the Congo natives was especially bad.
History Summary
Africa was torn apart by European powers for the resources it richly provided. Each of the big empires carved a piece of the continent for themselves. In the process, Africa was changed forever. Here, we will focus on the Congo and how the natives there were treated.
In his book, Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad describes the workers who once claimed the Congo land as their own and explored it as their ancestors had. He gives a vivid description of how the natives had become nothing more than pack animals for the European settlers.
Excerpt
“A slight clinking behind me made me turn my head. Six black men advanced in a file, toiling up the path. They walked erect and slow, balancing small baskets full of earth on their heads, and the clink kept time with their footsteps. Black rags were wound round their loins, and the short ends behind waggled to and fro like tails. I could see every rib, the joints of their limbs were like knots in a rope; each had an iron collar on his neck, and…
